Clinical cases
MULTIPLE ERUPTIVE DERMATOFIBROMAS ON A PATIENT WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH ETANERCEPT

Dermatofibromas (DF) are benign skin tumors usually
single or in small number, frequently encountered.
Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDF) are rare and
often associated with neoplastic or immune diseases.
57 years old patient is consulted for multiple papular and
nodular lesions located on the upper and lower limbs,
occurred six months ago. The patient’s history highlights
rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed in 1996 and treated with
Etanercept 50mg subcutaneous since 2007. Histological
examination reveals a fibrohisticocytic dermal proliferation
surrounded by thick collagen fibers. The skin surface
presents moderate acanthosis with basal layer
hyperpigmentation. The diagnosis of MEDF was
established.
Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas (MEDF) are
defined by the presence of at least 15 dermatofibromas in the
same patient. MEDF are rare, usually occurring
sporadically, being also described very rare cases of familial
MEDF. In 2/3 of cases, MEDF are associated with other
pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressants,
malignancies, infections, metabolic disorders.
MEDF is a rare condition that usually occurs in
immunocompromised patients